In the midst of the most disruptive event of my lifetime, a challenge for Christians in media is balance. The news media, social media, and every other kind of communication tool is flooded with the COVID-19 story. Understandable. It is THE big story of the century, no doubt. I have especially appreciated the creative humor with which many have approached the isolation and binge buying that has become the norm of the day. Some of it is quite funny!

As you know, I am a big proponent of what we used to call in our radio days “water cooler talk.” That was picking up on what people were already talking about (around the office water cooler) and using it as a starting point with on-air talk. It engages the audience with what is on their mind, then takes them further.

My biblical example has been Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman he met at the well. He began by engaging her at her point of reference…drawing water…and then moved to telling her of the spiritual water that once she tasted she would never thirst again.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:13-14 NLT

But notice, Jesus didn’t keep talking about physical water. He moved to the spiritual realm rather quickly. Then Jesus moved into other areas that were hard for her to hear…about her marital situation. Yet as a result of that exchange, many came to know Christ as Lord.

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” John 4:39 NLT

So, here’s my point. As you use your media platform to inform people of the pandemic, the need for isolation to “flatten the curve,” to religiously wash their hands, and other important directives…don’t forget the Gospel. A person who survives the coronavirus and has not accepted Christ as Lord is still lost and on their way to hell. They need the Gospel. They need Jesus.

Balance.

Yes…use today’s important issues, the thing on everyone’s mind, to engage them in discussion and to share good information. But look to quickly move on to the only thing that ultimately matters, the saving knowledge that God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. And that if we acknowledge (confess) our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us of all wickedness…all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Be sure that those who connect with your ministry and are looking for hope find the eternal hope that Jesus offers to all.